Balader en France

I am wandering France today.

Pulling out my old stacks of Art & Decoration, Marie

Claire and Côté Sud magazines, dreaming.

I've decided I am going to add a rose tree to my

landscaping next year.

Admiring the architectural details of this Paris apartment. The window looks as if it has an ornate frame around it. If I had French windows I would frame them too. It is next to impossible to find windows that open inward in America. I've never quite understood why.

Something romantic about the statue, Venus de Milo, standing silent in the corner of the stairwell against those aged plaster walls. You know it was a French navy ensign stationed on Melos (an island between Greece and Crete), in 1820, that discovered the original statue. He was watching local farmers dig for construction stones when she was uncovered. He bought the statue for France and she now resides in the Louvre. The love goddess's arms were never found.

The arched entryway really softens that stone surface doesn't it? Of course the curved form of the statue does her share too. I can't begin to tell you how many marble top bistro tables I see in French homes. They are kind of like busts. No maison would be complete without one.

Photo from Stephen Shubel

Oh these walls! Filled with plaster fragments, 18th century mirrors, gilt frames, architectural prints and objects. Parisian Flair with casual Country French. Walls just seem to come to life when three dimensional objects are used. The seating looks like mattresses covered in ticking on boxed frames. Genius I do say!

I've always loved using antique store display pieces in a home. They are great for storing barware, tableware, linens or to use as bookcases. I have more than a few in my house. You just can't go wrong with Louis XVI bergere's. Upholstered in jute sacks or the finest silk, they are going to be show stoppers! Louis XVI style happens to be my favorite! Just a touch of femininity, but casual.

Another store display piece used to house white ironstone and crystal. I also like the formality of the tailored tablecloth and the casualness of the mix-matched chairs. The feminine slipcovers seem to unify the look. If you want to just slipcover the chair backs, French monogrammed linens are great to use, due to their large size.

Here is a fabulous Country French kitchen ! Complete with terra cotta flooring, a marble top farm table, white ironstone, tart boards, a bottle drying rack, bull's head, vineyard hopper and woven baskets. I love these monochromatic colors. So so French! Also, just FYI, we have these accessories at European Antique Market. If your interested, give us a call!
A wonderful terrace with a Mediterranean flair.

I had to include a photograph of this salon from Art & Decoration. That is a store facade attached to the wall. Fabulous idea! A painted Draper's table is in the center of the room. Draper's tables make wonderful consoles or kitchen islands! Did you notice the wine tasting table surrounded by the Louis XV chairs? Wine tasting tables are great because they have flip tops. We do have a gray painted wine tasting table if you need one. Oh, by the way, we also have a beautiful original cream painted draper's table AND a store facade should you be interested!


A close up photo from the first salon that shows the mattress detail on the seating. Those French just think of everything!

Many times, Melanie from Le Petit Cabinet de Curiosite's, features her father's work. He is an upholster in Provence. He does such a beautiful job with mattresses and I have often thought, what a shame to hide that talent. Voila!

Just can't get enough of those 18th century mirrors! I think I would have a house full if I could!


Don't you love the display of old collars?

For more luscious photographs visit

Stephen Shubel Designs

It never ceases to amaze me, the natural sense of style the French possess. They have an inherent ability to blend antiques into everyday living in the most practical ways. The end result always pops of personality! Just a part of their culture. I want dual citizenship, how about you?

Bisou!